Articulated handle for a container

ABSTRACT

An articulated handle for a container is described. The articulated handle comprises a collar, a grip, and a securing means. The collar is configured for surrounding a container and comprises an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container. The articulated joint divides the collar in a first portion and a second portion. The grip projects outwardly from the collar and comprises a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar. The first and second grip portions are each configured for comprising a complementary portion. The complementary portions comprise a securing means which connects together the first and second grip portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of handles, and more particularly to an articulated handle for a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial-scale manufacturing and molding of thermoplastic containers generally requires specialized extrusion blow molding equipment. Manufacturing of thermoplastic containers comprising an integrally formed handle is even more complicated as it involves additional step(s) for connecting the handle on the molded container, thereby increasing the cost per unit.

Providing a handle that is independently manufactured from a container and that may be secured to the container may thus provide an effective and practical solution. Handles that are independently manufactured from containers and that are securable thereto have been described for instance in GB patent No. 2,157,257, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,227,393 and 7,686,183.

These and other handles face key technical and operational limitations. In some instances the handle is pivotally secured to the container and, while it enables transportation of the container, it is not possible to pour a liquid from the container with only one hand. In other instances the handle is rigid and it comprises a collar into which the container of larger dimensions is inserted. Although such handle allows a user to pour liquid from the container with only one hand, the handle may not hold the container in an upside-down position since the container will slide off the collar.

There is therefore a need for simpler, more convenient, and more cost-effective manners for manufacturing molded containers requiring a handle.

There is also a need for handles that can be manufactured separately from molded containers to later be installed on such containers.

There is also a need for handles that may easily and rapidly be secured to various types of containers, while allowing handling with only one hand and allowing also to hold the container in an upside-down position.

There is particularly a need for an articulated handle that can easily be secured to a container, after manufacturing of the container.

The present invention addresses these needs and other needs as it will be apparent from reviews of the disclosure and description of the features of the invention hereinafter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention relates to an articulated handle for a container, comprising:

-   -   a collar configured for surrounding a container, the collar         comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar         between an open state for receiving the container and a close         state for surrounding the container, the articulated joint         dividing the collar in a first portion and a second portion;     -   a grip projecting outwardly from the collar, the grip comprising         a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of         the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the         second portion of the collar,         -   wherein the first and second grip portions are each             configured for comprising a complementary portion, and         -   wherein the complementary portions comprise a securing             means, the securing means connecting together the first and             second grip portions when the collar is in the close state,             thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.

In one embodiment the securing means comprises a pair of securing elements fittingly cooperating together, wherein a first of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the first grip portion and a second of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the second grip portion. In embodiments, the complementary portions comprise at least two pairs, or at least three pairs, of securing elements. In embodiments the connectors are male-female type of connectors (e.g. snap-fit, hole-and-hooks, tongue and slots, etc.).

Another aspect of the invention concerns a method for securing an articulated handle to a container. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a container requiring a handle;     -   providing an articulated handle comprising:         -   a collar configured for surrounding the container, the             collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the             collar between an open state for receiving the container and             a close state for surrounding the container;         -   a grip integrally formed to the collar and projecting             outwardly therefrom, the grip comprising a first grip             portion, a second grip portion, and a securing means, the             securing means connecting together the first grip portion             and the second grip portion when the collar is in the close             state;     -   surrounding the container with the collar of the articulated         handle;     -   closing the collar of the articulated handle around the         container; and     -   connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the         articulated handle to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top side perspective view of an articulated handle for a container in a close state, the handle comprising two complementary grip portions and male-female type securing means, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of the articulated handle of FIG. 1 in an open state.

FIG. 3 is a top plane view of the articulated handle of FIG. 2 in the open state.

FIG. 4 is a top side perspective view of a container and the articulated handle of FIG. 1 in the open state, the handle being partially installed on the container.

FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of a container and the articulated handle of FIG. 4 in the close state, the handle being fully secured to the container.

FIG. 6 is a top side perspective view of an articulated handle for a container in an open state comprising tongue-and-groove securing means, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top side perspective view of an articulated handle for a container in a close state comprising grip portions of different sizes, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top plane view of the articulated handle of FIG. 7 in an open state.

FIG. 9 is a top side perspective view of a container and the articulated handle of FIG. 7 in the open state, the handle being installed on the container.

FIG. 10 shows top side perspective views of another type of container and of another type of articulated handle in accordance with another embodiment, the figure showing the articulated handle installed on the container, and showing articulated handle in an open state and in a closed state.

Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the embodiments references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

The present invention relates to an articulated handle that can be manufactured separately from containers to later be installed on such containers.

The articulated handle is configured to be securable around a part of a container, therefore providing the container with a means to be handled by a user.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is shown an articulated handle 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The articulated handle 100 comprises a collar 102 and a grip 104 projecting outwardly from the collar 102.

The collar 102 comprises a circular opening 124 and inner face 118 having a flat surface configured for surrounding a container 200. The collar is articulated as it comprises an articulated joint 122 allowing “bending” and positioning of the collar between an open state (FIGS. 2-4) for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container (FIG. 5). The articulated joint divides the collar in a first portion 112 a and a second portion 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulated joint consists of a groove or a bend 134 extending in the inner face 118 perpendicularly to a horizontal place formed by the collar.

The grip 104 comprises first 106 a and second 106 b grip portions projecting outwardly from the collar 102. For increased strength, the first grip portion 106 a is preferably integrally formed to the first portion of the collar 112 a and the second grip portion is preferably integrally formed to the second portion of the collar 112 b.

As explained with more details hereinafter, the first 106 a and second grip 106 b portions are each configured for comprising a complementary portion comprising a securing means 108 such that, once the collar is in the close state, first and second grip portions are secured together, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container (FIG. 5).

Turning to FIGS. 3 to 5, the articulated joint 122 enables the collar 102 to be configurable between an open state and a close state. More particularly, in the open state the first portion 112 a and the second portion 112 b of the collar 102 are separated from one another in order to provide clearance required for introducing a part of the container 200 into the opening 124 of the collar 102. While transitioning from the open state towards the close state under the pivotal action of the articulated joint 122 (shown by a double-headed arrow in FIG. 3), the first portion 112 a and the second portion 112 b of the collar 102 are brought in a closer proximity to ultimately contact each other at the grip portion.

Although in the illustrated embodiments the articulated joint 122 is positioned such that the first portion 112 a and a second portion 112 b of the collar are of comparable size (i.e. 50/50) which results in the grip 104 to be axially aligned with the articulated joint 122, it may be envisioned to position the articulated joint differently such that the articulated joint is not axially aligned with the grip, resulting in the first portion 112 a and a second portion 112 b of the collar to have sizes that are different (e.g. a ratio of 75/25, 60/40, etc.).

In preferred embodiments, the collar 102 is circular and configured for surrounding a neck of a container. Accordingly, the collar 102 comprises the inner face 118 having a substantially flat surface for matching a flat surface on the container 200. The collar 102 may also comprise an inner face 118 with patterns, groves, bumps or the like, according to a desired use. The collar 102 may also comprise an anti-slip material or the like. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not essential for the collar to be circular or shaped like a ring and that it may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, octagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. and that it may be configured for surrounding different sections of a given container and/or be configured for surrounding containers of different shapes (e.g. jar, bottle, can, etc.).

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 102 comprises a means for preventing rotation of the handle 100 relative to a container 200 once secured thereto. As shown, the inner face 118 of the collar 102 comprises a pair of notches 138 a and 138 b configured in size and shape for receiving corresponding tabs present on an external surface of the neck of the container 200. Accordingly, the combination of these notches and tabs will prevent the rotation of the articulated handle 100 relative to the container 200. As indicated hereinbefore, the collar 102 may also comprise an inner face 118 with patterns, groves, bumps or the like that may match corresponding complementary patterns on the surface of the container, thereby preventing rotation of the handle once secured to the container.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 102 comprises an outer face that is somewhat shaped like a C or a U with an upper flange 142, a lower flange 144 and central recessed groove 146. Although such shape may be preferable for providing structural strength to the collar 102, other forms of outer faces are may be envisioned (rounded, rectangular, etc.). In embodiments, these flanges are configured to abut on corresponding walls or protuberance on the container, thereby further ensuring that the handle does not slip and is better secured to the container (e.g. neck).

Referring now back to the grip 104, in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first 106 a and second grip 106 b portions are configured for having a complementary external shape on their entire longitudinal length, thereby forming, once joined together, a complete grip with a separation in its center. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the grip is asymmetrical and comprises a first long grip portion 230 b providing almost the whole grip surface to be manipulated by a user. The first long grip portion 230 b comprises a void 232 for receiving a second shorter grip portion 230 a. The first long grip portion 230 b and the second shorter grip portion 230 a are configured to be complementary thereby forming, once joined together, a complete grip.

It is the grip which comprises the securing means 108 allowing securing or “locking” the articulated handle to the container, the securing means comprising complementary securing elements fittingly cooperating together. Preferably, the complementary securing elements are positioned at an interior of the grip.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, the securing means 108 comprises three (3) sets of male-female type connectors distributed along an inside cavity 162 of the grip. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 to 8, the securing means 108 comprises a single set of male-female type connectors located inside the cavity 162 of the first long grip portion 230 b and the second shorter grip portion 230a. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the securing means 108 comprises a tongue 152 and a C-shaped slot 154 located inside the cavity 162 of the grip. Accordingly, urging the first grip portion 106 a against the second grip portion 106 b snugly engages the securing means thereby securing or “locking” together the first and second grip portions, and also securing the articulated handle to the container.

The securing means 108 may be configured such that articulated handle 100 is removably connectable for allowing the handle to be secured and thereafter removed from a container (e.g. manually or with a tool). In other embodiments, the securing means 108 is configured to ensure that the handle is secured permanently to the container.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to a particular type of securing means and that it is adapted to the use of various types of connectors including snap-fit or snap-on connectors, hole-and-hook connectors, tongue and slot connectors, and the like. It may also be envisioned to provide the securing means on a periphery of the grip or to provide first and second grip portions that may be glued or fused together by heating.

The grip may be configured in accordance to various parameters including, but not limited to, the size of the container, the weight of the filled container, the rigidity of the materials used in the manufacture of the container and/or the handle, the intended users, etc. In the embodiments illustrated at FIGS. 1 to 9, the grip projects downwardly from the collar and it has a curved shape for being gripped by a finger of a user. Preferably, for increased strength, the grip is integral to the collar such that the collar and the grip form a one-piece, integral construction.

The grip may also comprise an external surface adapted for particular desired uses and/or particular user (e.g. handicapped person, young, elderly, etc.). For instance, the grip may be provided with desirable esthetic and/or functional features such as drawings, patterns, an anti-slip surface, etc.

In the embodiments illustrated at FIGS. 1 to 9, the first 106 a and second grip 106 b portions comprise an inside cavity 162 into which are found securing means. Providing the securing means inside the grip is advantageous since it permits to hide the securing means from a user. Hiding the securing means is thus advantageous for aesthetic reasons and also for preventing manipulation of the securing means which may result in accidental opening of the handle.

In alternative embodiments the grip may project upwardly or sidewardly from the collar. In other alternative embodiments, the articulated handle 100 may comprise a plurality of grips, for instance a pair of grips positioned on opposite sides of the collar. It can also be envisioned to provide a two-piece handle not requiring an articulated joint, the two-piece handle having two complementary portions, each complementary portion comprising a collar section and two grips section that connect together for securing the handle around a container.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an articulated handle 100 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment the container is a bottle 300 having an oval-rectangular shape and conical neck. Accordingly, the collar 102 has a conical shape adapted to fit around the neck of the bottle 300. In this embodiment the grip 104 is shaped like a half-circle tube and comprises complementary securing elements 108 positioned inside the grip 104. The securing elements 108 occupy a periphery of a bore inside the grip 104 and these securing elements 108 are adapted to fittingly cooperate together as a snap fit. The articulated handle 100 also comprises an articulated joint 122 which consists of a groove extending vertically inside the collar 102.

The articulated handle 100 and/or parts thereof may be manufactured from any suitable material. For instance, the handle 100 and/or parts thereof may be made of plastic, polymer, thermoplastic polymer resin (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate), etc. and it be manufactured by common techniques known in the art such as molding, 3D printing or any other appropriate manufacturing technique. Alternatively the articulated handle 100 and/or parts thereof could be manufactured from metal and alloys thereof (e.g. aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc.).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9, the articulated joint consists of a groove or a bend 134 extending vertically in a thinner region of the collar. In alternative embodiments, such groove may be absent, the collar simply comprising a portion of reduced thickness such that it is naturally flexible and allowed to bend to an open state in order to provide the required clearance required for introducing a part of the container 200 into the opening 124 of the collar 102.

In another alternative embodiment, the articulated joint 122 may comprise a pivotable connection. This could be for instance a barrel articulated joint comprising a pin and a cylinder, or something else providing a similar suitable pivotable connection.

In another alternative embodiment, the collar 102 may have no articulated joint. In such case the collar 102 could possess a certain flexibility allowing its bending until it reaches an open state providing an aperture sufficiently wide for receiving the container.

Kit

The articulated handle of the invention may be sold as a standalone product or as part of a kit comprising (i) an articulated handle as defined herein; and (ii) a container capable of being secured to the articulated handle. A kit according to the present invention may also comprise a plurality of articulated handles that are identical or that are of different configurations (e.g. different collar shapes, different grip size or length, etc.). A kit may also comprise instructions and/or a tool adapted for securing and/or removing the articulated handles to and/or from the container.

Method for Securing the Handle to the Container

A related aspect of the invention concerns a method for securing an articulated handle to a container. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a container requiring a handle;     -   providing an articulated handle as defined herein;     -   surrounding the container with the collar of the articulated         handle;     -   closing the collar of the articulated handle around the         container; and     -   connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the         articulated handle to the container.

The method may also comprise the step of gluing together the first and second grip portions.

In embodiments, the handle is made of a material sensitive to heat and it has a melting temperature that is lower than the melting temperature of the material of the container. Therefore, the handle could be fused to the container by heating after assembly to the container and the method further comprises the step of heat fusing the collar to the container. Alternatively, the method may further comprises the step of gluing the collar to the container. Fusing and/or gluing the handle to the container may prevent rotation of the handle and accidental disassembly.

Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating certain sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described therein, and these concepts may have applicability in other sections throughout the entire specification. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a securing member” includes one or more of such member, and reference to “the method” includes reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art that could be modified or substituted for the methods described herein.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the present invention and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An articulated handle for a container, comprising: a collar configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first portion and a second portion; a grip projecting outwardly from the collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar, wherein the first and second grip portions are each configured for comprising a complementary portion, and wherein the complementary portions comprise a securing means, the securing means connecting together the first and second grip portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.
 2. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises complementary securing elements fittingly cooperating together, wherein a first of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the first grip portion and a second of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the second grip portion.
 3. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the complementary portions comprise at least two pairs, or at least three pairs, of complementary securing elements.
 4. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the securing elements comprise at least one projection receivable in a recess as a snap fit.
 5. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the complementary securing elements comprise at least one recess receivable in a flexible hook as a click fit.
 6. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the first and second grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape.
 7. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip is axially aligned with the articulated joint.
 8. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip projects downwardly from the collar.
 9. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip is curved downwardly.
 10. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip is shaped for being gripped by a finger.
 11. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the articulated joint is a groove or bend on the collar.
 12. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar is configured for surrounding a jar, a bottle, or a can.
 13. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar has a shape adapted to snugly fit an upper portion of the container.
 14. The articulated handle according to claim 13, wherein the collar is securable to a neck of the container.
 15. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar is shaped like a ring.
 16. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the articulated handle consists of a single piece plastic moulding.
 17. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the articulated handle is made of thermoplastic polymer resin.
 18. The articulated handle according to claim 17, wherein the thermoplastic polymer resin is polyethylene terephthalate.
 19. An articulated handle for a container, comprising: a collar configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first portion and a second portion; a grip axially aligned with the articulated joint and projecting outwardly from the collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar, wherein the first and second grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape; and wherein the first and second grip portions comprise an interior including a securing means for connecting together the first and second grip portions when the collar is the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.
 20. A kit, comprising: an articulated handle according to claim 1; and a container capable of being secured to the articulated handle.
 21. A method for securing an articulated handle to a container, comprising: providing a container requiring a handle; providing an articulated handle comprising: a collar configured for surrounding the container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container; a grip integrally formed to the collar and projecting outwardly therefrom, the grip comprising a first grip portion, a second grip portion, and a plurality of complementary securing means, the securing means connecting together the first grip portion and the second grip portion when the collar is in the close state; surrounding the container with the collar; closing the collar around the container; and connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising heat fusing the collar to the container.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising gluing the collar to the container. 